They had announced Steve Smith as skipper previously.

Ball tampering scandal has created further problems for Australia skipper Steve Smith.

His IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals is likely to sack him from his position of captain for IPL 2018, after the Australian skipper admitted to charges of ball-tampering during the 3rd Test against South Africa.

It is reported that the franchise may hand over the captaincy role to Ajinkya Rahane.

Smith has been suspended by the ICC for one Test and fined 100 percent match fee. He along with vice-captain David Warner had to step down as captain for Cape Town Test.

Rajasthan have to take a call on Smith. BCCI thinks if Smith himself decides to quit captaincy, Royals should be okay with it as they have a ready replacement in Rahane.

"Now the ball is completely in Rajasthan Royals' court. Yes, Smith was dishonest in allowing a youngster to tamper with the ball. He has set a very bad example but Rajasthan's plans revolve around Smith," a senior BCCI official said.

"We think Rajasthan will like to start with a clean slate without any controversy. So it would be easier if Smith decides to play as a batsman only and let someone else take over the mantle of captaincy," the official said.